Les Années 50 - Palais Galliera

The exhibit starts off in 1947 when Christian Dior came out with his 'New Look' pinched-in waist and full skirts.

And ends in 1957 when a very young Yves Saint Laurent taking over the helm at Dior. A 10-year period of absolute elegance and sublime clothing never to be seen the likes of again.A riveting must-see exhibit if you love fashion.

I was warned at the entrance NO cameras or portables. Picture taking was forbidden. Time to bring out my little sketchbook and doodle.

Fabulously glamorous looks.

The invention of the little black dress for the cocktail hour. Chanel's inventive white-ribbed sweater dress with black grosgrain ribbon trim at neck, waist and cuffs.

Massive bows at the waist exaggerated and structured like architecture made of taffeta and velvet (by Jacques Fath).

Finally I had to sneak a few shots or die on the spot.

Such glam!

Who does subtle dove grey dresses anymore?

Dove grey tulle gown by Christian Dior with a grey satin bow at the waist. To Die For.

Anything with a scallop shell is a winner. Witty beachwear from the 50s. Who knew?

More architectural shapes take over the handbag. The 50s exhibit is on till November 2. A nice catalog is available(44.50 euros).

Feathered cocktail hats look a lot like

The jets flying over Paris this morning (seen from my window) in celebration of Bastille day today.

Tonight they're celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower. These celebrations seem to renew every 5 years if not every year. I'll probably be painting cherries for renewing sketch letter subscribers. Bonne Bastille Day PBers!

36 comments:

I'm in Paris next week and the exhibition at the Palais Galliera is on top of my to-do-list! Can't wait!! I guess you took the photos without permission... as usual ;-) I'm neither courageous nor fast enough...

Jacques has been watching Le Tour De France and told me it's still raining..we had that hier but today all is well..Love bows and flowers on clothes..and that little red dress you painted..How pretty pretty!

I too was glad that cameras were banned even if you did manage to sneak a few shots.. It meant we got to see many more of your sketches, I loved seeing your fashion styles showing the 50's nipped in waist & full skirts. I used to make all my own clothes then.

Fab post. So much here...The wonderful shot of the Eiffel Tower in the rain and I love the fifties clothes. Glad you got some pictures but your sketches make them even more special. I thought at first they were part of the show then I read that you did them. Great post. Happy to see you out and about.

Love the sketches. The clothes look amazing, and I am not a big fan if 50's design usually. I had a dove grey lambs wool coat with a nipped waist and long full skirt from that period that a very stylish aunt handed down to me, wore all through art school, wish I still had it. Wore with high buttoned boots, back when I could wear such great shoes.

What a wonderful exhibition and see! you didn't have to worry Carol! a few beautiful sketches and a couple of discreetly aimed shots and Voila! we have all enjoyed the trip. I have just been to see "Yves St-Lauren" at the movies and apparently clothing from his collection were actually used in the filming ... what a talented monsieur. Love those sweet little "Cherry Cards"

Carol, I LOVE your dress sketches. I've never heard of Palais Galliera. How do you learn of all the unusual events and locations you share with us? Do you have any special sources you can share? Merci beaucoup,

Thanks for sharing the exhibit. This past weekend I was in Wilmington, DE for the Costumes of Downton Abbey exhibit. So nice to see them up close. I am jealous of the 50s exhibit though, all those iconic dresses and styles. I saw a Balenciaga exhibit in Dallas several years ago. I went 5 times just to ogle the dresses.

Carol,today's post and your beautiful sketches absolutely run away with my imagination!What fabulous clothes from such a romantic era of the past.Also LOVE your rainy day pictures!We are in such a severe drought here in the Southwest;only wish we could enjoy the moisture,feel and scent of those heavenly droplets!

We were on a trip to the Basque country a few years ago - they had just opened the Balenciaga museum in a small town where he lived - I didn't take the opportunity to see it - wish I had thought harder about it!

ParisBreakfast Letters

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5. I'm still at it but now tripping over cobblestones on l'Ile Saint-Louis In Paris. Savor Parisbreakfast with a hot chocolate and croissant.
I paint Paris dreams.